During Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed regret for not speaking Tamil, calling it the “world’s oldest language.” He labeled the event a ‘Bhakti ka Mahakumbh’ (Maha Kumbh of devotion) and emphasized the festival as a time for self-awakening. Criticizing the opposition led by the ruling DMK towards the three-language policy in the National Education Policy 2020, Shah praised Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation as a hub of spirituality and positivity. He noted the significance of the 112-foot Adiyogi statue in guiding spiritual journeys. The celebrations ran from 6 PM to 6 AM.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu):
In the midst of the controversy regarding the perceived imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his “apologies” on Wednesday for not being able to communicate in the “world’s oldest language.”
Speaking at the special Maha Shivratri celebrations hosted by the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Mr. Shah referred to the event as ‘Bhakti ka Mahakumbh’ (Maha Kumbh of devotion).
“To begin with, I want to express my regret for not being able to converse in Tamil, the world’s oldest language. I wish everyone a joyous Maha Shivratri. It is a privilege to be here at the invitation of Sadhguru,” Mr. Shah remarked.
The ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu has been against the three-language policy outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, labeling this as the imposition of Hindi.
Mr. Shah emphasized that the entire country is steeped in Shiv devotion, positing that Maha Shivratri serves not only as a festival but also as a time for “self-awakening.”
“Today, the whole nation, from Somnath to Kedarnath, Pashupatinath to Rameswaram, and Kashi to Coimbatore, is enveloped in ‘Shivmay’. Although the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is concluding, the ‘Bhakti ka Mahakumbh’ unfolds before me here in Coimbatore. Maha Shivratri is more than just a festival; it is a moment of self-realization,” the Union Home Minister stated.
Commending Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Mr. Shah remarked that the site created by the spiritual leader is not just a pilgrimage destination but also a center for devotion and liberation. He noted that the 112-foot Adiyogi Shiva statue provides experiences of the 112 pathways to spirituality.
“The place you (Sadhguru) have established is not solely a pilgrimage site but also a center for yoga, sadhana, devotion, repentance, and liberation. Isha Yoga Centre has positively impacted many lives through yoga. This Adiyogi statue helps us experience and discover the 112 paths to our spiritual journey. By visiting here, we understand that the ultimate goal of life is to achieve ‘Shivatva’. Isha Yoga Centre has become a conduit for connecting the youth with the divine,” Mr. Shah stated.
Previously, the minister also offered prayers at the ‘Dhyanling’ during the religious ceremony at Isha Yoga Centre.
The Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre commenced at 6:00 PM on Wednesday and will carry on until 6:00 AM on Thursday.
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